What it's about: If London banker Quinn Wentworth is going to hang for a crime he didn't commit, he can at least do some good before he dies by marrying pregnant widow Jane Winston and bequeathing her his fortune.

But then: Quinn receives a last-minute reprieve once it's discovered that he's the long-lost heir to a dukedom. Now Quinn is faced with a dilemma: embrace his new life as a married man or seek revenge against the man who set him up.

Crossover alert: This 1st book in the Rogues to Riches series is loosely linked to the author's True Gentlemen novels.

What it's about: Twenty years after his disappearance at sea, Hugh Redvers (a.k.a. One-Eyed Standish) has returned to England. Not to reclaim his inheritance, but to protect his late uncle's widow, Lady Daphne Davenport, and her young children as only a pirate can.

Reviewers say: This 2nd book in the Outcasts series (after Dangerous) is "exuberantly crafted, exhilaratingly plotted, and erotically charged" (Booklist).

For fans of: new spins on old-school romance tropes, à la Kerrigan Byrne's The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo.

What it's about: With the entire extended Cynster family gathered at Casphairn Manor in Scotland for a Yuletide celebration, tutor Daniel Crosbie hopes to finally declare himself to governess Claire Meadows.

Includes: a dramatis personae for keeping track of all those Cynsters.

Should you start here? This 1st book in the Cynsters: Next Generation spin-off series offers a good starting point for newcomers while pleasing fans of the previous 20 Cynster novels (beginning with Devil's Bride).

What happens: When her sexy, grumpy neighbor Cain Maddox rebuffs her attempts to spread holiday cheer, Julia Padden blogs about her interactions with the man she dubs "Ebenezer" (as in Scrooge) and her attempts to "kill him with kindness."

Media buzz: If you enjoy Debbie Macomber's unique brand of heartwarming, uplifting holiday romance, rejoice! Several of her annual Christmas novels have been made into Hallmark movies (starting with Mr. Miracle).

What it's about: Lady Holly's Christmas ball is legendary for turning single ladies into blushing brides, and 1815, which marks the 50th anniversary of the event, is sure to be the best one yet.

Why you might like it: A top-notch roster of historical romance writers combine their talents to present this collection of holiday-themed Regency romances. While each is a stand-alone story, all connect to create a seamless and sparkling whole.